Katrina smiled at her two friends, gesturing to an empty table near the back corner of the inn, "Take a seat I'll join you in a bit, I just noticed an old friend and must say hello." She turned almost before the words finished leaving her lips, the rush of old memories making her giddy with recollection.

Approaching silently she stopped a few paces behind Kennet, waiting until his tankard was tipped to his lips and he was drinking deeply before speaking. "Hey there, been beaten by any other young girls with sticks since I left?" Her voice was warm and playful, clearly thrilled to see him, and unable to resist pulling the same simple prank he was famed for during their childhood days..

Last time he surprised me like this I sprayed a quarter mug onto Marsha, the poor tavern wench never did forgive me.

"K--ka---" Kennett blurted in surprise then predictably blew his ale all over the counter and himself.

"It has been four years now? Or five?" He grinned and got up to embrace his childhood friend, wiping beer from his face.

"I---never thought I'd see you again. Not after you killed Symon Mudd. No man deserved it more, granted, but I didn't blame you for leaving after." Kennett seemed to babble still shocked at seeing his childhood friend, the "Swampcat".

"How are things outside the Neck?" he asked now composing himself. "The wars rage, even Reed sent crannogmen with Robb Stark's makeshift army. They say even the Neck is not safe", he lowered his voice and glanced conspiratorially at the Ironborn pair in the corner. "It is said while Robb marches south, the Ironborn raid the North, and----"

He finally stopped talking at looked upon Kat again, as if seeing her for the first time.

"Buttered eels?" he offered up his plate and smiled. Kat had always hated eels.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

Kat returned the embrace happily, grateful to see another friendly face after the narrow victory against the iron men.

"Far too long my friend," she replied to his first question, unsure how to answer the second without giving away too much of their travels to near by ears. "Things have been enlightening, and far more exciting then the old days I fear," She turned to gesture towards Rheyna with a sly wink and smile "but some things have turned out for the best."

She wrinkled her nose and shook her head at the offer of eel remembering all too well the musky odor and chewy texture that reminded her far too much of a rotten boot. "I'd sooner chew on an old wolfs teats," she laughed at her joke and gestured to the table Rheyna and Odrin had chosen.

"Come let me introduce you to my friends, we can share a pint and I'll fill you in on the doings outside the marshlands."

Kennett approached the table where Rheyna and Odrin were sitting. He examined the axe-man of Norvos with an undisguised wide-eyed look. Crannogmen tended to be shorter than other men, and to Kennett, Odrin seemed a giant at first. After studying Odrin, he studied the man's axe. Ashreaver was equally impressive. Finally, he looked at Rheyna and blushed, unaccustomed to seeing many women outside the deep swamp. Kennett never did have any luck with the ladies. One time his father arranged a marriage for him with a girl from House Moss, but she died of the flux. Then there was that girl who chose Kat over him. Kennett sighed. Then there was Kat. He could never have her. And here then he thought, was her new lover.

"Well met, I am Kennett of House Cray. I welcome friends of the Swampcat, as I would my own. *That* friend, is the biggest axe I have ever seen."

He nodded his head, satisfied with his greeting, and sat with them, his eels squirming from the sides of his bowl.

"Ah, Kat" He looked once more upon his childhood friend with some affection (brotherly or otherwise, who could be sure?), 'When you came to Greywater Watch you were accompanied by a knight, and now you return in the presence of another---"

He stopped suddenly, realizing that maybe her life story was not his to reminisce about out loud.

After a short pause...

"So what news?" he asked all three, as he began stuffing the slippery lampreys into his mouth.

----------

"Gaaargh!" Came a harsh exclamation of pain, as one of the Ironborn slammed his knife down into his own pinky, nearly severing the digit. The other laughed and grabbed the coins scattered on the table.

Rheyna watched closely, there was a reason they called her "Fingerdance" on the streets of Barrowton. She had mastered the dangerous game of knives and fingers, by the time she was fourteen years of age, and never lost a challenge, much to the chagrin (due to wounded pride and missing fingers) of the much hardier men who challenged her in the past, or more accurately, men *she* had challenged.

Odrin thought of Norvos by the Sea. He was reminded of his home city here in the fens. Norvos was built on seven hills, the "upper city", perching above the salt-marshes of the "lower city" and the inland wilderness. As a youth Odrin spent many weeks and months training with his axe, alone, amidst the flooded forests. Mostly, he reasoned to himself, he missed his home, bloodflies and all. Well no, he did not miss the bloodflies, not after that journey from Norvos to Volantis.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sallow-faced, bent young man, called Kennett Cray apparently, who introduced himself to Odrin.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

Odrin regarded the little man thoughtfully. While he would rather pass through the Neck unrecognized and unheralded, he seemed a dear friend of Katrina's. Here's a chance to learn more about one of my charges, at least . . .`

To Kennet he said lightly "You'd best mind your manners around Ashreaver, son. My lady likes a compliment, but 'big' is rather unimaginative." Though he kept his face stony, Rheyna could see his eyes twinkle with amusement.

As Kennet stammered, off-balance, Odrin covered Rheyna's hand with his own, squeezing gently to indicate that he had heard her and was taking care to watch the Ironborn.

Kat eyed the hand holding between Odrin and Rheyna without comment or expression, inwardly wondering at the hidden meaning but knowing better then to voice her curiosity, instead focusing attention on the reunion with her childhood friend.

"Don't let Odrin intimidate you, his humor is as stoic as his demeanor most days, he's a trusted comrade, and his axe wife a sharped tongue mistress." She winked at Odrin, hoping he wouldn't take offense at her good natured jibe, and grateful his joke helped divert attention from the unwanted air of her past deeds.

She glanced over at the yelling Ironborn thankful they were paying more attention to lopping off their digits then to their arrival, for now at least. "This tavern is a bit too noisy for personal discussions, perhaps we could all speak somewhere quieter over a pitcher of ale and some roasted cattails?"

As she spoke she casually tossed her hair back from her face, gesturing with her nose in the direction of the bleeding man and his drunken comrade, confident Kennet understood her hesitation to speak in the presence of the squids.

Odrin followed Rheyna's gaze to the two Ironborn, and felt her tense in anticipation. Her eyes seemed to glint with eagerness, though for what he could not say. Still, Odrin had begun to learn when his mistress was about to get into mischief. Squeezing her hand gently to get her attention, he eyed the Ironborn and gave his head a slow, firm shake.

"Mmm-hhm" Kennet managed between bites of eel, as he picked up on Kat's gesture.

"Well, it is settled then. You three must come to House Cray, and stay with us for a while. What say you lot?"

to Rheyna...

"Yes, Swampcat, quick as a cat, and even more slippery" he smiled "that was our Katrina..." he thought a moment more, "the Reeds called her 'Hurricane' if you prefer that one." his grin was even wider now.

Not knowing what to say to Odrin, Kennet began mopping up the eel sauce with a wedge of bread. He wasn't sure what made him more nervous, the man, or his axe.

Finally done with his meal a few moments later, he seemed to think a new thouht, as he cocked his head, and leaned in closer to Kat.

"So what *does* bring you back to the Neck?" He whispered. The look on his face suggested that he probably wouldn't like the answer, whatever it might be.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

"And who are you supposed to be then?" Ser Boros Blount garbled, looking at Velaquo and Quills now with mean, piggish eyes.

"A knight fom the Free Cities, dear Ser, keeping a man from dying" Velaquo answered nonchalantly, as if such a thing was commonplace.Friendly, seemingly preoccupied with the task of first aid, no thread to ol' Pig-Eyes."This is my faithful squire, Ser" he nodded to Quills - who nodded back.Over their years together, Quills had pretended to be a merchant, cobbler, messenger, noble, barbarian, slave, dragon and a bride - to name a few. Squire? That one's easy.

With the corner of his eye, he examined the buffoon.Brutish, yet choked with pride.Overconfident.Perchance due to a station he is unfit for, yet clings to?In confidence of an authority, thinks himself irreplaceable.

His smile may have become predatory, the Myrian's refinement and civilization but thin veneer.Men can be replaced.

"Maester Belomas, I believe your skills kept this man from the Reaper - no onions' scent, even the blood is staunched, the color and vis back in his countenance. Again, you impress."He bowed."A pleasure to help. Now excuse me, please."

Velaquo sauntered up to Boros Blount and asked, with faked reverence: "Are you the captain of this mighty fort? I am but new to this land, and unaware which coat of arms deserves most respect. You seem well-versed in matters of nobility - care to enlighten a brother in arms?"

If this brute is the best a fort at King's Landing can muster, it will be easy to take his place.

Velaquo listened, and looked for ways to arrange an accident if the need were to arise - precariously positioned barrels, siege engines, steep drops and porticullis that may crush an unsuspecting man...

Logged

"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

Walking in as erect as possible, the pain in his side made it difficult, yet he suffered through it. The cold stares from all those present bore deep into his soul and peered in the very being that lay inside. Pushing out of the hands of the soldiers who were 'helping' him walk he walked as a knight should in the presence of the King and Council. Stopping shy of the stairs he bended knee and lowered his head fighting the spasm in his back with every ounce of strength his powerful frame could, twitching only slightly. Noticing the lack of the King made a slight twitch of the side of Rufus' mouth but little else showed in his face.

"My Queen Cersei. My Lord Hand Tywin. Lord Tyrion and gathered Council. I am here as summoned by Law to swear to the King and Country my name, my armor, my house, and my soul."

Rufus stayed kneeling as the feeling in the room was palpable and unnerving. He was sure that Ser Korley spoke of their encounter which with Lord Tywin being present could actually end up with his head laying six feet from his shoulders. If the rumors were true of the young King, that could be the a more gentle ending. He awaited their reply, any reply, so that he could stand proud and accept whatever fate that befell him.

Kat nodded in agreement to Kennet's suggestion, giving her friends a reassuring smile and reaching out to give her lovers hand a gentle squeeze and blushing at the mentioning of her old nick names and the memories they carried with them.

"Your hospitality would be most welcome, if you're not worried about or large friend eating you from house and home that is." She gave Odrin a sly wink to show she was only joking, leaning closer to Kennet to answer his inquiry to their purpose.

"We seek a place to recover from the hardships of the road, and with luck avoid any who might be searching for our whereabouts." She glanced over at the Iron Men casually before drainign her cup and leaning back; awaiting her friends thoughts on Kennet's offer.

Rheyna felt Odrin squeeze her hand and shake his head as he saw what she had in mind, and dismissed the thought. Better to remain anonymous than draw unwanted attention over a few coins.

Seeing Kat blush at the mention of her nicknames, Rheyna made a mental note to ask her when they settled for the night.

She looked to Odrin, waiting for him to make his decision on wether they should accept Kennett's offer of hospitality. All the while smiling her playful smile, not once taking her eyes from his face, wondering what lay beyond those eyes..

Releasing Rheyna's hand, yet keeping an eye on the agitated Ironborn, Odrin assessed Kennet with a critical eye. The boy seemed honest enough, though it was painfully obvious to Odrin that he had once harbored deep feelings for Katrina. The way he leaned towards her as he spoke, or watched her move from the corner of his eye. More often than not, his voice would stutter and slide over her name, like a bird unsure of its roost. Whether Katrina realized it or not, this Kennet would do almost anything for her. And that was something Odrin could use.

Odrin fixed what he hoped was a friendly, non-intimidating smile on his face. "A respite from the road would be most welcome. Miss Katrina undoubtedly regards you highly, to place our well-being in your hands, and I have learnt to trust her judgement. Just know this:"

Odrin's smile vanished.

"These two are under my protection, and I will not let them come to harm."

“…and with luck avoid any who might be searching for our whereabouts.”

At this line, Odrin noticed a queer look on Kennet’s face appear momentarily, but just as quickly the small, bow-legged crannogman’s smile returned.

"These two are under my protection, and I will not let them come to harm."

When Odrin spoke these words, Kennet blanched a bit, and then recovered once more.

----------------------

“You cannot bring the horses into the deep mire, Kat.” Kennet reminded her as the four of them examined the animals outside the inn. “But Pennywhistle the barkeep will no doubt keep them fed and stabled for you--if you ever---return this same way again.” He added.

----------------------

Ever on the lookout for merciless Bloodflies, Odrin followed Kennet, Kat, and Rheyna into the deeper swamp. He noticed that both Kennet and Kat moved like reptiles through the muck and mire effortlessly, and even Rheyna had little trouble, lithe and light on her feet as she was. It was harder going for Odrin. The swamp seemed to resent his very presence, and was always looking to suck his massive, weighty form down into its murky depths. Twice, the three had to pull Odrin from some hidden pit of shifting sand, or jelly-like pool of mud.Six hours into the trek, Odrin’s armor was covered in mud and plant-bits, though this helped with the insects he noted.

Finally they reached that area of the swamp, where narrow rope bridges and dry paths, intersected the waterways. “A highway for the crannogmen”, Kennet noted and proceeded to lead the four through the maze.

----------------------

“Up ahead… House Cray lands” Kennet announced proudly and suddenly, and now the four of them could smell smoke, and cooking food in the distance. Occasionally they could make out one of the thatch and reed houses of the crannogmen, and finally coming into a clearing, they could make out an impressive fort up ahead, situated on what looked like a hilly island floating in the green swamp.

The closer they got to his home however, the more nervous Kennet seemed, Odrin noted silently, his brows furrowing. Something about the man was off. Yet, Kat had named him friend…“No one will find you here” Kennet said with a weak smile to Kat at that moment, as he gazed about, hand outstretched. “Welcome home.”

Not too many people were out and about. The Cray village seemed quiet, but bilious smoke was gushing from both makeshift chimneys of Fort Cray itself, as if the crannogmen were all gathered beneath one roof.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

"A knight fom the Free Cities, dear Ser, keeping a man from dying" Velaquo answered nonchalantly, as if such a thing was commonplace.Friendly, seemingly preoccupied with the task of first aid, no thread to ol' Pig-Eyes."This is my faithful squire, Ser" he nodded to Quills - who nodded back.Over their years together, Quills had pretended to be a merchant, cobbler, messenger, noble, barbarian, slave, dragon and a bride - to name a few. Squire? That one's easy.

Quote

"Are you the captain of this mighty fort? I am but new to this land, and unaware which coat of arms deserves most respect. You seem well-versed in matters of nobility - care to enlighten a brother in arms?"

He didn't wait for a reply, "Mighty fort? Is this some jape or are ye daft from water-log?!" he bellowed now, "Ye are in the courtyard of King's Landing, where King Joffery Baratheon sits the Iron Throne, and rules the Seven Kingdoms, and where Lord Tywin Lannister serves as the Hand of the King!" Ser Boros was turning red now, his piggish eyes squinting in disbelief at this foreigner's impertinence and ignorance.

'Are ye with the maester then, or this dying ponce?" he gestured first at Belomas, then at Rufus. Again, not waiting for a reply Ser Boros Blount came to a quick decision.

"Come with me" he said to Velaquo, "and bring your squire too, we will see what Lord Tywin says be done with ye!"

With that, Belomas walked with Rufus Gargalen, supporting the big knight as best he could, while keeping up with the marching Boros Blount.

After some time and some walking, mostly through arches and up stairs, the mismatched group arrived at the Small Council's chamber door. Here, half a dozen guards, armed to the teeth, stood vigil.

With a grunt, Boros Blount waved the guards off, and opened the twin doors.

He then shoved Rufus forward, and eyed the maester to follow him inside as well. Turning back to the guards, he said, "Watch these two" indicating Velaquo and Quills. "They may yet be called in by his Lordship."

Ser Rufus Gargalen entered the hall...

Quote

Walking in as erect as possible, the pain in his side made it difficult, yet he suffered through it. The cold stares from all those present bore deep into his soul and peered in the very being that lay inside. Pushing out of the hands of the soldiers who were 'helping' him walk he walked as a knight should in the presence of the King and Council. Stopping shy of the stairs he bended knee and lowered his head fighting the spasm in his back with every ounce of strength his powerful frame could, twitching only slightly. Noticing the lack of the King made a slight twitch of the side of Rufus' mouth but little else showed in his face.

"My Queen Cersei. My Lord Hand Tywin. Lord Tyrion and gathered Council. I am here as summoned by Law to swear to the King and Country my name, my armor, my house, and my soul."

Rufus stayed kneeling as the feeling in the room was palpable and unnerving. He was sure that Ser Korley spoke of their encounter which with Lord Tywin being present could actually end up with his head laying six feet from his shoulders. If the rumors were true of the young King, that could be the a more gentle ending. He awaited their reply, any reply, so that he could stand proud and accept whatever fate that befell him.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

Something was wrong. Odrin was unsure of the source, but he had learned to trust his instincts -- a hard-earned lesson that had nearly cost him his life. Moving with deliberate nonchalance, Odrin placed a hand on Kennet's shoulder, stopping the boy in his tracks.

"Such a fine hold! It is a wonder that you manage to support so many within the Neck itself."

Odrin scanned for danger, while forcing his body to remain relaxed. Let's not play our hand just yet, he thought. Aloud, he continued with false joviality for the benefit of any watchers, "You must be proud of your work here!"

Keeping the false smile plastered to his face, Odrin lowered his voice to a low murmur. "You're as nervous as a swam-rat, boy. What's wrong?" He gave the young man's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Tell me, friend. Help me to keep Kat safe, and perhaps we can help you as well."

Kat turned to give Rheyna a hesitant glance, herself a little unsettled at the scene before her, the village seemed almost deserted, and judging by the smoke pouring from Fort Cray everyone was secured inside, but why?

"Tell me, my old friend, what dangers keeps the majority of folk penned up inside the fortress? IS there an illness or enemy force encroaching on the Neck we should be aware of?" As she spoke she reached down to her canteen as if to ready it for a drink, the hilt of her blade now mere inches from her grasp.

The thought of betrayal at the hands of her closest childhood friend was almost unthinkable, but Kat had learned long ago The Neck held many surprises, and a man desperate to save his family would st6op at little to keep them safe.

I hope to hell this has a reasonable explanation Kennet, you are the last man in Westeros I wish to draw steel against.

Rheyna stopped as Odrin placed his hand on the small Crannogmans shoulder.

"You're as nervous as a swam-rat boy, what's wrong?" At these low growled words she stiffened. She had thought the deserted village and smoking keep strange enough, but this mans behavior was different, almost terrified.

Slowly she took a sip of water from her skin, turning at the same time. Her eyes scouring the surrounding growth for any signs of their being watched or even followed.

"Tell me, my old friend, what dangers keeps the majority of folk penned up inside the fortress? IS there an illness or enemy force encroaching on the Neck we should be aware of?"

“Dangers? No, Swampcat, the crannogmen must be gathered for an evening feast", he finally spoke his voice lacking conviction.

Quote

"You're as nervous as a swam-rat, boy. What's wrong?" He gave the young man's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Tell me, friend. Help me to keep Kat safe, and perhaps we can help you as well."

Kennett stopped and for a long time didn’t move or speak. Odrin’s hand weighed heavily upon…

“I—my family--“

He paused as the group heard a sound from the keep, Greywater Watch (sixty yards away uphill, at this point). Rheyna was the first to notice a tall man clad neck-to-knee in steel emerge from the thatch doors and look down upon the group from his vantage point. He eyed them silently for a long ten seconds, and then ducked back inside the fort.

Odrin recognized the whistling sounds that suddenly erupted from the keep, but the recognition and the reaction to fast-flying steel bolts, was not the same thing. Armored men poured forth from Greywater Watch suddenly, wielding crossbows, and The Seven knew what else. The worst part was that there was no cover in this bog. Nothing to hide behind. Some trees far off...

Missiles were suddenly thwacking and thunking into the muck and mud around Odrin and Kennett. One shaft nearly missed Rheyna’s thigh as the lithe thief stumbled backwards seeking cover. Another missile found flesh, shattering Kat’s collarbone, before burrowing deep into her shoulder. She made a strange sound and like Rheyna began scrambling back into the swamp. As she did so, another steel shaft pierced her kidney and with a grunt, she fell forward into the muck. Her body wasn’t moving but her hands still clutched at the soil, still trying to pull herself away from the onslaught.

“Kaaat! Screamed Kennett, suddenly torn from his self-pitying trance. The crannogman rushed toward his childhood friend, oblivious to the whistling bolts around him, only to be stopped dead in his tracks by a missile through the throat. For an agonizing moment, Kennett clutched at the shaft with both hands, then gurgled something, spat, and fell backwards into the muck.

Odrin was already moving. He noticed Kat's fingers still twitching in the mud. Not yet dead.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

As she dove toward cover Rheyna saw her friend go down and screamed a mixture of rage and anguish, but she knew that there wasn't much she could do. The crossbow bolt protruding from the treacherous Crannogman's neck served as evidence enough.

Looking to Odrin she shouted to him, "back, back into the trees!"

OOC: Do I possess a throwing knife or two in addition to my standard dagger?

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

Walking in as erect as possible, the pain in his side made it difficult, yet he suffered through it. The cold stares from all those present bore deep into his soul and peered in the very being that lay inside. Pushing out of the hands of the soldiers who were 'helping' him walk he walked as a knight should in the presence of the King and Council. Stopping shy of the stairs he bended knee and lowered his head fighting the spasm in his back with every ounce of strength his powerful frame could, twitching only slightly. Noticing the lack of the King made a slight twitch of the side of Rufus' mouth but little else showed in his face.

"My Queen Cersei. My Lord Hand Tywin. Lord Tyrion and gathered Council. I am here as summoned by Law to swear to the King and Country my name, my armor, my house, and my soul."

Rufus stayed kneeling as the feeling in the room was palpable and unnerving. He was sure that Ser Korley spoke of their encounter which with Lord Tywin being present could actually end up with his head laying six feet from his shoulders. If the rumors were true of the young King, that could be the a more gentle ending. He awaited their reply, any reply, so that he could stand proud and accept whatever fate that befell him.

Tywin Lannister’s face was unreadable. Tyrion shifted in his seat.

Varys spoke with the voice of a moth, “Rufus Gargalen, your grace” he said looking at the kneeling knight before the council.

“So this is the wounded cockatrice my nephew almost slew.” Tywin intoned, “I know the House, from Dorne. Tell me Korley, what shall we do with him?” Tywin said turning to Hill.

“Can we start by giving him a bath?” Tyrion dead-panned as he wrinkled his nose.

No one seemed to notice the Maester, Belomas, who simply stood and waited behind the kneeling Gargalen.

No one spoke, awaiting Korley’s “ruling.”

----------------

Meanwhile, immediately outside the Small Council’s chamber door, Ser Boros Blount did not take his eyes from Velaquo, “Tell me” he growled and opened his mouth in a grin, “Are all the women of Myr whores from birth, as they say?” Boros was full of piss and vinegar. After all, he had six of the King’s Guard, the best fighting men in Westeros, standing in rows beside him. Velaquo had only Quills.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p